Although many people work without a contract, employment agreements can be useful tools when drafted appropriately. The terms can protect an employee and ensure there is no miscommunication between the parties. Unfortunately, companies can also try to use these contracts to their advantage.

An Atlanta employment agreements lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and advise you on the terms included in the document. The attorneys at Feldman Legal Group can also work with the company’s lawyers to put forward proposals that ensure fair treatment. Let a dedicated employment attorney help you start your new career on the right foot.

Employment-at-Will

Georgia is a “right to work” state. Also referred to as employment-at-will, this distinction means employees can leave their position at any time and for any reason. The other side of this is that employers may terminate a worker without facing any repercussions in many situations.

Despite this standard, workers still retain certain rights that an employment agreement attorney in Atlanta can help a person enforce. For example, companies are prohibited from terminating or otherwise penalizing employees or job applicants based on their race, religion, or national origin. Companies are all bound by other regulations that provide individual rights, like the Family Medical Leave Act.

How Contracts Can Benefit Employees

Despite the rights workers inherently have, they can also benefit from the protection of a written agreement with their employer. These contracts could include termination provisions that make it difficult for a worker to be fired without costing the company financially.

These agreements can also make the schedule for compensation, bonuses, and benefits clear. This can make disputes easier to resolve compared to working for a company without a contract.

Downsides to Consider

These terms are not always favorable to a worker. The company could insist on including non-compete clauses preventing an employee from working in the same industry as a competitor after they leave. Contracts also often include non-solicitation clauses preventing an employee from attempting to recruit clients or co-workers to leave with them. Non-disclosure agreements are also commonplace in order to protect trade secrets or proprietary information.

It is also possible that an employer might include terms that are overly broad or unlikely to withstand court scrutiny. An Atlanta employment agreements attorney could push back against unreasonable terms.

What Should an Employment Agreement Include?

There is no uniform way to approach these contracts. The parties have latitude in the terms they may adopt, but there are certain concepts that should always be addressed. An attorney in Atlanta could ensure these details are included in an employment agreement.

First and foremost, the employee’s title, duties, benefits, and compensation should be spelled out concisely. It should also be clear if the contract is for a set term or open-ended.

Details surrounding the potential for termination are also important. This includes outlining possible grounds as well as the details of a severance package. These contracts might include terms that protect the company, like non-compete or confidentiality clauses. There might also be language explaining the remedies for breaching the terms of the agreement.

Talk to an Employment Agreement Attorney in Atlanta Today

If you have accepted a position with a new company, formalizing these terms in writing could be in your best interest. However, it is important that an attorney review the contract and ensure your rights are protected.

Let an Atlanta employment agreements lawyer serve as your advocate. Call Feldman Legal Group today to learn more.